For Jaguars: With a high-paid and revamped defense, this is a chance to set the tone they want and prove the defense really has improved. With Colts quarterback Peyton Manning out after neck surgeries, the AFC South is more open that ever. This division matchup will matter as the Jaguars attempt to make the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

For Titans: Jeff Fisher’s battles — both verbal and on the field — with the Jaguars are over (for now). New head coach Mike Munchak didn’t have a full offseason to implement his system, but the team has been said to have taken on his personality.

Matchup

Jaguars LB Paul Posluszny vs. Titans RB Chris Johnson: The Jaguars added several players in the offseason who excel at stopping the run. Among them is Posluszny, the highest paid of the Jaguars’ free agents at six years, $45 million. Posluszny is built like an old-fashioned middle linebacker and will face one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL. Johnson only joined the Titans two weeks ago and said it will take playing football to get back into football shape. Still, the Titans will play him as much as they can.

Posluszny - Category - Johnson

6-1, 283 - Size - 5-11, 191

26 - Age - 25

13 - 2010 starts - 16

0 - Pro Bowls - 3

Series History

The Titans lead the series 18-14. Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio is 7-9 against Tennessee. The Jaguars won the last meeting 17-6 in Nashville.

By the numbers

16: Number of players on the Jaguars 53-man roster not on it last year. Five are starters.

76.2: Kicker Josh Scobee’s career percentage on field goals against the Titans. It’s the best he does against any AFC South opponent.

90: Temperature on the field for last year’s season-opener. It was the warmest game in franchise history.

This may be the most important game in Jags history. Lose it today, and it may be the end of the Jags. But I don't think that's going to happen. I'll see you in Section 233. Hope I'm hoarse by four o'clock!